Thursday, 19 May 2011

I know that the sewing pattern world is lacking decent patterns for boys...so let's do something to change that - check out my latest pattern, High Flyers:

High Flyers are a handsome pair of pants that can both dress up and go casual with ease. With these cool and comfy trousers in your little guy's wardrobe, he'll always be looking shipshape.

Featuring an elastic-backed, adjustable waistband, slim fitting legs, loads of pockets and an easy-to-sew fake fly opening, High Flyers will suit just about any occasion.

High Flyers can be given a more casual feel with the use of contrast topstitching detail and when sewn with denim they make a great pair of jeans.

I breathe a big sigh of relief as I send this pattern out today. It has been one of the most time-consuming patterns that I have designed so far. I know that so many of you have been crying out for more boy patterns, but to be honest, there isn't a lot of variety when it comes to boy clothing. After a bit of research (read: rummaging through wardrobes and examining my boy's pants!) I came to the realisation that if you want to sew for boys, you need to spend time on details. It's these details that will help create a quality pair of pants that look as though they've come from your favourite clothing store. Girl's clothing has the advantage of using beautiful printed fabrics to give them detail, but when it comes to boys we mostly stick with plains, checks, or other toned-down fabrics so unless sewn details are added then your elastic-waisted pants will look a little slouchy and more like a pair of pyjama pants.

Having said all of that, I can assure you that it is NOT hard to make a tailored pair of boys pants. I've worked really hard to simplify some tricky sewing techniques and make sure that High Flyers has all of the detail of a store-bough pair of pants with minimum fuss.

And what about that fly, I hear you ask? I have to admit, I was scared of sewing a proper zippered fly to begin with. I got over it though and worked it out and it isn't that hard, but still a little tricky for a less-confident sewer...so instead of a zippered fly, High Flyers features a fake fly opening (yes, it opens, not just pretty topstitching) that is sewn shut half-way down. So the pants are still easy to get on and off, but look as though they have the real-deal fly, without the tricky zippered opening. Besides, what little boy wants to remember to do up his fly all the time anyway?!

I think you'll enjoy making these - and it is a great satisfaction to sew something for your boy that looks as though it came out of a shop.

And I'm sure that your boy will dance some crazy moves in approval like my cool model Jake did! Big thanks to my awesome photographer, Sally from Eden Lane Photography. Her photos never disappoint - there are loads more on my website. If you are looking for a photographer in the Sydney area, I highly recommend her!

If you would like to purchase a copy of High Flyers for yourself, they should be popping up in retail stores very soon. Ask your favourite store to get one in for you!

I'm giving away a copy of High Flyers (in your choice of size range) to one lucky reader - leave a comment on this post to be in the running! (Please make sure you leave an email address with your comment. Giveaway will close Wednesday 25th May and winner will be drawn via a random number generator.)

76
comments:

What a God-send! There is so little out there for the boys (esp) the bigger boys. These are so smart. I can see them in some winter wool - tweed perhaps! Can't wait to get my hands on a pattern. Well done Toni!

Great Thanks Toni.. Will be getting a copy of this one . As a Mum of 4 boys this will be used a bit I imagine. Especially for my 8 year old who is hard to buy pants for at the moment as he is too big in the waist for size 8-10 but not long enough in the leg for size 12 (lots of hemming happening here) this way I can tailor make them to his size

cool trousers! I have a boy to sew for so this pattern will be a great addition. I usually let him loose in the fabric store so he can choose. Last time he picked a black fabric with a massive skull and cross bones print for his new shorts! i think i've got him into my fabric habit as he likes picking out fabrics! (he's 6)

These are fantastic. I love sewing, but have pretty much stuck to pj's for my boys, as there are just no patterns that look 'bought'.I can't wait to make them. Both my 3 yr old and 7 yr old will love these.Well done. Thanks for thinking of our boys!

Not sure if it is ok to join from the US, but I will leave a comment just in case. I made my first pair of boys pants last month and would love to make these as the detailing is so nice. Thanks. cathydevinney@gmail(dot)com

Fantastic! Great to see something like this for boys. That slim leg look that the boys want once they hit a certain age, and it looks so smart on them. I love these, and I know my boys will too. I've got two boys, but most of my sewing is done for my little girl - they always say "when will you make something for us Mum??" Well I think I've found what that will be :-D (kirstey.yarra@gmail.com)

Oh my gosh, these look awesome! I've been SO disappointed in the number of things I've found to sew for my son...especially since my daughter and niece are getting lots of new fun summer things of late. I LOVE the detail work you've put into these and can't wait to try them out! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the pattern!

Oh, my gosh! I can't believe I found a pattern with straight front waistband and elastic in the back. I had a great pattern about 37 years ago that I used to make pants and shorts for my daughters. Alas, I must have given it away and have been searching for a new one, but not to be found until today! I hope I win, but now I know where to purchase the pattern. Can't wait to make pants for my grandsons.

I love them, I just finished making an Uptown Girl Jacket for my daughter and every time I get out the machine, my son asks if I am making him something yet. High Flyers is perfect! Looking forward to getting my hands on a pattern.

Love the look of this new pattern! As Mum of 2 boys one 5 and one not yet 1 I spend my time scouring the web/real world for boy friendly crafty inspiration - just made your lego sack for Bear's 5th birthday and your Kaftan for me. Hope I am lucky!